– A Quick Look at Culture

Dominican culture is as varied and colorful as the land itself. This culture was created from a legacy of origins that came together in the country’s development, forming the basis of the cultural and social identity of the people.

A variety of ethnic groups merged in the fascinating development of Dominican Republic’s (DR) history, forming its unique and lively culture. European, African and indigenous Taíno Indian influence is interwoven and expressed in the country’s art, music, gastronomy, sports and religion, all of which help produce the identity of the Dominican people.

Art

From a crafts point of view, the country has a rich artistic range, among which is art created with Taíno Indian motifs. Dominican jewelry is made of amber, larimar, bone, horn and coconut husk. In addition, clay, porcelain, wood, leather, hemp and guano also serve as the basis to create the most diverse articles and figures for personal, decorative, domestic and religious use.

As the first city founded in the Americas and the country’s capital city (also named the Cultural Capital of the Americas in 2010), Santo Domingo boasts an impressive collection of museums, culture, historic sites, monuments, arts, music and more. The Colonial City (or “Colonial Zone”), located inside Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of the first city of the Americas. It features the first street, hospital, university and cathedral in the Americas, along with ancient buildings, parks and streets where Spanish conquistadors once lived.

In Dominican museums, the displays showcase the Dominican identity that is expressed in ancient objects, documents, canvases, sculptures, costumes, indigenous pictographs, and the furniture from the different centuries and religions. Among these are the Alcázar de Colón (Fortress of Columbus), the Catedral Primada de América (the First Cathedral in the Americas), the Fortaleza Ozama (the Ozama Fort), the Monasterio de los Padres Dominicos (the Monastery of the Dominican Fathers), the Casa del Cordón (the House of Cord), the Casa de la Moneda (the House of Coins), the Reloj de Sol (the Sun Clock), the Casa de Nicolás de Ovando (the House of Nicolás de Ovando), the Casa del Tostado (the House of Tostado), the Casa de Bastidas (the House of Bastidas), the Museo de las Casas Reales (the Museums of the Royal Houses) and the Panteón Nacional (National Pantheon).

Other important museums or historic buildings include the Altar de la Patria (Altar to the Homeland), the Casa de Juan Pablo Duarte (the House of Juan Pablo Duarte), the Palacio Consistorial (the City Hall), el Palacio de Borgellá (the Borgellá Palace), the Parque Colón (Columbus Park), as well as religious monuments such as the Iglesia del Carmen (Church of Carmen), the Iglesia y Convento Santa Clara (St. Claire Church and Convent), the Iglesia de Las Mercedes (Las Mercedes Church), the Regina Angelorum (Regina Angelorum) and San Miguel y Santa Bárbara (St. Michael and St. Barbara).

Music

Great diversity and a wealth of rhythm, harmony and instrumentation abound in the country’s musical culture. Among the most popular types of music include merengue, bachata, and “son” songs with a lively danceable beat.

Gastronomy

The country possesses a rich and multi-faceted culinary history, having been influenced by Spain, France and many other corners of the world, giving rise to Dominican food with delicious tastes and aromas.

In the early formation of the country, before much exploration and integration occurred, the main ingredients on the Dominican menu were rice, meat, beans, plantains and vegetables, as well as fish and seafood. These are still Dominican staples today, and give shape to the meals that adorn the country’s tables on a daily basis.

The emblematic Dominican dish is called the “flag”, made using white rice with red beans, accompanied by a portion of meat (beef or chicken) and a salad or tostones (fried slices of green plantain), a dish that is served at lunch. This is followed by moro and locrio rice dishes. This list continues with tasty stews and soups, such as sancocho soup known as a national dish. Other classic dishes include asopao stew and dishes such as mangú (green plantain, boiled and mashed) casseroles, pasteles en hojas (turnovers wrapped and cooked in banana leaves), pork or chicken rinds.

Sports

Baseball is by far the favorite sport, not only as a game or pastime, but as a major source of national pride and identity. “Ball,” as it is popularly called, arrived in the country in the late 1800s. Since 1955, the Professional League of the Dominican Republic (LIDOM) has hosted competitive and exciting local games across the country. Dominican Republic has also produced the most (MLB) players outside of the United States of any country, including famous stars such as Manny Ramírez, , Vladimir Guerrero, , and Pedro Martínez.

Other popular sports include basketball, boxing, soccer, volleyball and various water sports.

Religion

The majority of the population is Christian, principally Catholic, followed by the Evangelists and others who belong to various beliefs. The country ensures freedom of worship for all.

National Holidays

January 1 – New Year’s Day January 4 – Santos Reyes Day January 21 – Altagracia Day January 26 – Birth date of father of the country - Juan Pablo Duarte February 27 – National Day of Independence April 2 – Easter Friday May 2 – International Work Day June 3 – Corpus Christi August 16 – Restoration of the Republic Day September 24 – Day of Our Lady of Mercedes November 7 – Constitution Day December 25 – Christmas Day

These national holidays are in addition to numerous popular religious festivals in each region of the land. The most important of these in popular Dominican culture is Carnival, a celebration recreating liberty, integration and identity. Carnival is celebrated in nearly all the villages of the country on Sundays during February and March.

News releases, images and the press kit also can be accessed from the official DR Ministry of Tourism website: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com. For additional photos, b- roll and more specific needs, please contact Annie Holschuh ([email protected]) or AJ Trela ([email protected]), BVK Word for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. ###